Laxatives - Relieve Constipation

Laxatives - Relieve Constipation

Laxatives are substances or drugs that stimulate the intestines, causing the body to eliminate waste. They are most often taken for constipation that may result from too little roughage in the diet, too little water, inactivity, anxiety, or even certain medications.

There are five main types of laxatives that work in varying ways to achieve the same result. They are fiber or bulk laxatives, hyperosmotics or salts, stimulants or cathartics, softeners and lubricants. Laxatives that are high in fiber such as bran or cellulose products, increase bulk by combining with fluids in the body. This creates a natural stimulation of the intestines.

Constipation, often referred to as painful bowel movement, is a condition in which the colon (large intestine) finds it very difficult to push the fecal matter, as the stools are no longer soft. They are dry and hard, thus interfering with regular bowel movement. There are plenty of treatment options to get rid of hardened stools, and one of them is laxatives.

Types of Laxatives for Constipation
Before making your choice, it is important to know about the safety and effectiveness of each type. The information below will help you to decide which one is right for you.

1. Bulk-forming laxatives: These laxatives work by drawing water into your stools to make them larger, softer, and easier to pass. They work slowly and stimulate your colon naturally. They are considered the safest type of laxative and the only type that might be recommended for daily use. Examples are psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). It is important to drink plenty of fluids with a bulk laxative.

2. Osmotic Laxatives: Osmotic laxatives work by increasing the amount of fluid secreted within the intestines, resulting in softer and easier-to-pass stools. The three major osmotic laxatives are Miralax, Lactulose, and Milk of Magnesia.

3. Herbal Stimulant Laxatives: A variety of herbs have a reputation for having laxative effects. Aloe latex, cascara sagrada, frangula, rhubarb, and senna are all examples of herbal stimulant laxatives. Due to possible health concerns, herbal stimulant laxatives are recommended to be used on a short-term (no longer than one week) basis only.

4. Stimulant laxatives: These are the roughest type of laxatives because they cause your bowel to contract and squeeze out the stool. Stimulant laxatives can be taken by mouth or by suppository. When taken by mouth they work in about seven hours; by suppository they can work in about 30 minutes. These laxatives should never be used more than once every three days because they can cause your bowel to lose its ability to contract. A common example of a stimulant laxative is bisacodyl (Dulcolax and Correctol).

5. Saline laxatives: These laxatives are also called osmotic laxatives because they draw extra fluid into the large intestine to help soften stool and flush out your colon. Because the active ingredients in these laxatives are commonly magnesium or phosphate, they can be dangerous for people with kidney failure. A common example of this type of laxative is Milk of Magnesia, which is magnesium.
Stimulant laxatives. These are the roughest type of laxatives because they cause your bowel to contract and squeeze out the stool. Stimulant laxatives can be taken by mouth or by suppository. When taken by mouth they work in about seven hours; by suppository they can work in about 30 minutes. These laxatives should never be used more than once every three days because they can cause your bowel to lose its ability to contract. A common example of a stimulant laxative is bisacodyl (Dulcolax and Correctol).

Other constipation remedies: Stool softeners and lubricant laxatives are also helpful because they make dry, hard stools easier to pass. Mineral oil can be used as a lubricant laxative, as can a glycerin suppository. Even though mineral oil is available over the counter, because it can interfere with your ability to absorb the important vitamins A, D, E, and K, it's essential to discuss its use with your doctor.

Best Laxative for Constipation
It is observed that the body responds quite well to fiber stool softeners. Also, referred to as fiber supplements, prolonged use of these laxatives will not cause any harmful side effects. These fiber supplements are considered to be the best laxatives to lose weight. Hence, long-term use of laxatives mentioned below for people with chronic constipation, is usually not a cause for worry.

1. Metamucil
Constipation sufferers commonly use this fiber supplement to restore normal bowel movement. It is specifically formulated to increase weight and volume of the stool, thus making it easier for the colon and the rectum to eliminate stools. Available in powder and capsule form, metalmucil promotes smooth evacuation of the waste matter, in turn improving the health of the patient. Metamucil contains a high amount of natural fiber, that helps to cleanse the colon and detoxify the body naturally.

2. Citrucel
This is another safe alternative to cure constipation. Citrucel is basically derived from a plant fiber, known as methylcellulose, and is well tolerated by the body. Citrucel induces softness in the stool, thus allowing stress free removal of waste matter. With the usage of citrucel, one may forget the feeling of bloatedness, which is a common complaint among constipation sufferers.

3. Benefiber
In order to relieve constipation, one needs to improve fiber intake. This can always be achieved by including Benefiber in the diet. Wheat dextrin, the main component of Benefiber is a natural soluble fiber that can contribute immensely to increase bulk volume of the stool. By adding bulk to the stool, the colon finds it simpler to remove the fecal matter. Available in capsule, tablet and powder form, Benefiber can work wonders to restore strain free bowel movement. While using Benefiber, make sure you have enough water throughout the day.

Importance of Laxatives During Pregnancy
It is often said that the use of laxatives during pregnancy should be avoided as far as possible. This is because regular use of laxatives, especially during pregnancy can make the intestinal system of the woman dependent on them. This can result in intestinal cramping, which is really difficult to distinguish from preterm labor. Laxatives can lead to dehydration, cause cramping in the uterus and can also hasten the labor pain. In fact, not only laxatives, but any kind of medication taken during pregnancy, by the mother, without consulting a doctor, can have an adverse effect on the development of the baby. Laxatives have the capacity to enter the bloodstream of the baby by crossing the placenta, and thus, harming the baby in the process.

Best Laxative for Children

1. Milk of Magnesia
Also referred to as magnesium hydroxide, milk of magnesia is a solution that is given orally to children to relieve constipation. As it has an unpleasant taste, children may find it difficult to consume, so it is generally mixed with health drinks such as milk shake. In order to make the stools soft, it encourages flow of fluid through the colon. It does this by extracting fluids from the nearby tissues of the colon. Milk of magnesia is indeed beneficial to flush off the fecal matter from the intestines.

2. Flax Oil
Usage of flax oil can also help to eliminate constipation in children. It is an effective solution to get rid of compactness in stools. Flax oil is basically a nutrient and high in omega 3 essential fatty acids and vitamins. Laxatives like mineral oil not only take away the constipation symptoms but also deplete the body of its essential vitamins. This is not the case with flax oil as it promotes absorption of vitamins.

3. Natural Laxatives
• In most cases, constipation has been linked to improper diet.
• One should ensure that water is consumed adequately everyday and foods high in fiber (raw vegetables (salad) and fruits) are made an indispensable part of our diet.
• Fruits like pears and prunes are high in fiber and so can naturally rectify bowel dysfunction.
• Amongst the healthy drinks, prune and apple juice should be the first choice when it comes to relieving constipation.
• Whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread are also good sources of fiber and can help to stimulate bowel movement.

• Flaxseed is commonly used as a laxative. It is a good dietary food which not only helps in proper bowel movement but also gives nutrition to our body.
• Leafy green vegetables and roughage are very helpful as laxatives. The cellulose present in these plants are not absorbed by the body. They are moved to the small intestine where they help in the bowel movement.
• Prune juice is rich in vitamin A, potassium and iron. It is one of the best natural laxatives. Prunes can also be included in the daily diet for relief from this distressing condition.
• Omega-3 oils like avocado, flax-seed, hemp and olive oil can cure constipation in an effective manner. These cooking oils absorb the toxins for elimination and lubricate the walls of the intestine, thereby easing the passage of food.
• Coconut oil is another excellent remedy to relieve the pain and irritation caused due to constipation. This oil reduces inflammation caused due to hemorrhoids, improves bowel function and digestion, helps in tissue repair and healing etc.
• Other foods that act as natural laxatives to treat bowel irregularity are cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric and raw apple cider vinegar.

Mentioned below are some of the health benefits of these laxatives.
• These laxatives are natural and hence do not show any side effects like intestinal irritation, blood in stool, digestive problems, etc.
• They do not cause weight gain and hence are very helpful for the figure conscious crowd.
• They strengthen the colon and help in a proper bowel movement.
• They can be used for a prolonged period of time as they do not show any harmful effects.

So we can say that natural laxatives as a cure for relieving constipation is the best and safe option. Try to make your diet rich in fibers and healthy foods. Natural laxatives are also very safe for children. You just need to keep their age in mind while giving these foods. Besides, do not forget to drink plenty of water so as to support the working of natural laxatives. Exercises can also help in getting relief from the troubles of constipation. We hope the above information was enriching and helpful. Eat healthy and stay fit!

Myotcstore Related Categories:

Fiber Laxatives, Bulk Forming

Hyperosmotic Laxatives


Laxatives Stimulant

Laxatives Stool Softener